13 Tasty Ways To Upgrade Wendy's Chili

1. Create chili cheese fries

Chili cheese fries are a culinary delight that's hard to resist. Luckily for fans of this indulgent treat, Wendy's serves up an excellent variety of fries—more than one type, in fact—and a fantastic cup of chili. The best part? They taste amazing together. While Wendy's already has chili cheese fries on its regular sides menu, you can make a simple swap for an even more satisfying dish.

On the breakfast menu, you'll find seasoned fries, which are thicker than the usual fries and still have their skins on. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful crispy texture. These seasoned fries are more akin to steak fries or potato wedges than Wendy's standard fries. To make your dish extra cheesy, be sure to request some cheese to sprinkle on top. Once you're ready, start by creating a base with the seasoned fries, then pile on the chili and cheese, and enjoy your delicious creation!

2. Make it a dip for a garbage burger

The garbage burger is the ultimate sandwich where anything and everything goes—except the kitchen sink! If you think it might taste good on a burger, it probably belongs there. Think fried egg, crispy bacon, and hash browns. There are no rules when it comes to this deliciously chaotic creation. Wendy's fans have a leg up in this arena, as they not only have access to a fantastic cup of chili but also some mouthwatering burgers. We're looking at you, Mr. Pretzel Baconator! But honestly, any burger stacked high with your favorite toppings—Wendy's or otherwise—will do the trick.

However, just because we mentioned chili doesn’t mean you should assume you’re making a classic chili burger. While that option is tasty, it does come with its challenges, primarily the messiness of trying to eat it without spilling everywhere. With the garbage burger, you don’t pour chili on top; instead, you dip your burger right into it. This way, you can savor the rich chili flavor in every bite without the risk of staining your shirt—an essential factor if you're enjoying lunch at work and want to avoid returning with chili splatters.

3. Top it with croutons

Crackers, particularly Saltines, are a common choice for chili toppings. They provide bulk and a satisfying crunch, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of your chili. However, when it comes to adding a bit more flavor, Saltine crackers might not be the best option.

For a combination of savory taste and crunch, consider using croutons. If you're enjoying your chili at home and have a bag of croutons on hand, make it your mission to elevate the flavor of your dish. If you're in a hurry, you can always ask the friendly staff at Wendy's for a couple of packets of croutons, which they keep for salad orders. The seasoned croutons and Parmesan crumble from their Caesar salad would be an excellent addition. Alternatively, if you're looking for a different flavor profile while still adding crunch, try topping your chili with corn chips for a Southwestern twist. Wendy's also offers corn chips!

4. Indulge in a cornbread chili bowl

If you were to look online for side dishes to accompany a cup of chili, you’d likely find cornbread among the top suggestions. With the ability to enhance it with ingredients like jalapeño peppers, fresh organic corn, or cheddar cheese, cornbread is one of the easiest sides to elevate. These simple modifications to boxed cornbread create a delightful addition to your chili meal.

But why stop there? You can take cornbread to the next level as the perfect complement to your chili by creating a cornbread bowl, the next evolution in comfort food. This concept is akin to crafting a fried tortilla bowl for your taco salad, and just like the tortilla version, the cornbread bowl is entirely edible.

Making a cornbread bowl is also quite straightforward. Simply prepare a batch of cornbread batter and pour it into a cake or pie pan. After baking, cut a hole in the center and fill it with your chili. Finish it off with cheese, sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for added flavor. If you’re short on time, feel free to use a boxed cornbread mix instead of making it from scratch.

5. Stir in some dark chocolate

To create an exceptionally delicious chili, you should incorporate an unexpected ingredient: dark chocolate. While it may not be a typical addition to the usual ingredients found in Wendy's chili, there’s a compelling case for it. Adding chunks of dark chocolate introduces a depth of flavor that elevates the chili beyond what you might expect from fast food. The spices come alive, and the overall taste becomes richer and more complex thanks to this addition. Essentially, the dark chocolate amplifies all the flavors in the stew, making everything taste more authentic.

When it comes to the type of chocolate, it's important to choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate. The latter can make the chili overly sweet, which is not desirable. Remember, a little goes a long way. For a standard pot of chili that serves about four, you only need a quarter cup of chocolate, so for a single cup of Wendy's chili, you'll require even less. It’s best to add it gradually until you achieve the desired flavor. To make this recipe even more exciting, consider using pieces of Lindt's chili dark chocolate bar in your stew instead of a regular candy bar.

6. Season it with soy sauce or teriyaki sauce

Soy and teriyaki sauces are among the most popular condiments in Asian cuisine. Soy sauce enhances the savory umami flavors found in the meats, tomatoes, and beans of a typical cup of Wendy's chili. This is beneficial, as umami is a flavor that humans instinctively crave, signaling the presence of proteins to our taste buds and brains. Foods rich in umami tend to be satisfying, as proteins are often hearty and linger in the stomach for a while. While chili already contains various ingredients that contribute to the umami experience, adding a splash of soy sauce to your stew can enhance your satisfaction at the end of the meal.

On the other hand, incorporating teriyaki sauce into your Wendy's chili introduces a similar flavor profile, largely because most teriyaki recipes include soy sauce. However, ingredients like brown sugar, honey, and ginger add a touch of sweetness to the chili. If you've ever wondered why chefs sprinkle a bit of sugar into marinara sauce or their own chili, you can see how teriyaki serves a comparable purpose. The sweetness of teriyaki helps to balance the acidic notes typically found in cooked tomatoes, just like sugar does. Additionally, you may find that the teriyaki elevates the flavor of your chili, making it a unique twist on standard fast food chili.

7. Up the smokiness quotient

Smoked paprika and liquid smoke bring the essence of charcoal grilling to a variety of dishes without the need to stand over a hot grill. If you find yourself enjoying a cup of Wendy's chili on your way back to work, you'll definitely appreciate the convenience of these no-grill options. Both smoked paprika and liquid smoke deliver rich flavor without the hassle of grilling.

For those unfamiliar, smoked paprika typically comes in powdered form, often in a shaker, though not always. If it has a shaker lid, simply shake it like you would with salt and pepper until a sprinkle covers the top of your stew. If it doesn’t, just pinch a bit between your fingers to season your chili. Liquid smoke, as the name suggests, is a liquid. It has a scent reminiscent of barbecue sauce when you open the bottle, but it pours more quickly than regular barbecue sauce, so be cautious when adding it to your chili.

If you're new to using these seasonings, some trial and error may be necessary to achieve your desired flavor. Keep in mind that it's better to start with a small amount. Taste it, then decide if you want to add more. Once added, especially with liquid smoke, it’s difficult to take away that smoky flavor.

8. Bulk it up with rice or quinoa

If you're like many people, you probably have some leftovers in the fridge that could be transformed into something new. Perhaps you have a few cups of steamed rice or quinoa. Instead of tossing them out, consider mixing them into your chili to give it more substance. Since they’re likely cold from the fridge, you might want to microwave them for a few seconds before incorporating them into your stew. Otherwise, the cold leftovers could bring the temperature of your hot chili down to a lukewarm level.

Moreover, you’re not restricted to just rice and quinoa. Any other leftovers, such as your favorite mac and cheese, sweet potato pieces, or vegetables, would also be delicious in your Wendy's chili. Lastly, it's important to note that certain grains, like quinoa, have a slightly earthy flavor, similar to that of game meat. This can enhance the overall taste of your stewed meat and beans.

9. Season it with cinnamon

While cinnamon and meat create a robust flavor combination that is prevalent in savory, meat-centric cuisines globally—such as Egyptian and Moroccan dishes—it’s less common to find it in a bowl of chili in the West. Nevertheless, there are compelling reasons to give it a try. The flavor of cinnamon carries notes reminiscent of pepper, yet it also possesses a sweet and pungent quality. This is why cinnamon is a vital ingredient in flavor rubs, such as chipotle cinnamon rub, which pairs wonderfully with both beef and Mexican cuisine.

Enhancing your chili with the earthy sweetness of cinnamon is as easy as sprinkling a little into your bowl, just like any other spice. However, if you let your chili rest for a moment after adding the cinnamon, it will allow the flavors to meld more deeply, infusing the dish with its comforting warmth.

If you want to explore this flavor combination even further, consider following the tradition of chili enthusiasts in the Midwest, who enjoy dipping their cinnamon rolls into their chili to soak up the savory goodness. Fortunately, Wendy's offers chili, and while they may not have cinnamon rolls, they do have a version of cinnamon bread called Cinnabon Pull-Aparts. If you find yourself at Wendy's around 10:30 a.m., straddling the breakfast and lunch hours, order both and discover for yourself how delicious cinnamon and chili can be together.

10. Stir in some peanut butter

Would you like to thicken your Wendy's chili without using dry ingredients like flour or cornstarch? If so, the answer is closer than you think. The secret to achieving a heartier chili is peanut butter, and you likely have a jar in your pantry right now. Although it may seem surprising due to its strong flavor, you probably won’t even notice the taste of the sweet nut butter in your bean and beef stew.

Instead, the creamy richness of peanut butter enhances your chili, providing a smooth texture that can also help temper any spiciness (especially if your Wendy's chili has a bit of a kick). The flavor and consistency of your favorite lunchtime stew become harmonized with the addition of peanut butter.

This idea isn’t as unusual as it may appear. Many Tex-Mex chili recipes incorporate not only peanut butter but also cinnamon and chocolate. Plus, you only need a small amount to make a difference. For instance, one chili recipe that serves six people calls for just about a third of a cup of peanut butter. So, channel your inner child: dip a teaspoon into the jar of peanut butter, scoop out a bit (skip tasting it), and mix it into your chili.

11. Try it as huevos rancheros

Huevos rancheros recipes can differ based on who is preparing them. Nevertheless, this traditional Mexican breakfast dish shares several key components that remain consistent across various cookbooks. At its core, it must include eggs, as "huevos rancheros" translates to "rancher's eggs." In addition to eggs, most variations of this beloved rural breakfast feature rice, beans, and often some potatoes served with tortillas.

That being said, like many regional dishes, the flavor profiles of huevos rancheros are influenced by the local ingredients and culinary traditions. Consequently, the specific components can change from one recipe to another. This is where Wendy's chili, along with an order of their breakfast potatoes and a breakfast burrito, comes into play. These three items capture some of the most common flavors found in huevos rancheros recipes, though you'll need to do a bit of assembling to create an authentic plate of rancher's eggs.

To create a complete meal from this fast-food combo, pour the chili onto a deep plate or into a high-sided to-go box, reserving a little chili in the cup. Place the burrito on top of the chili and arrange the fries on the side. Drizzle the remaining chili over everything. If you're caught between Wendy's breakfast and lunch options, consider ordering this for brunch.

12. Sprinkle some bacon bits on your chili for extra flavor

You add bacon to your bacon cheeseburger and include it in your bean and bacon soup, so if you already enjoy those dishes, it’s not hard to imagine that you’d appreciate some smoky breakfast meat in your Wendy's chili as well. With bacon being the common element in all these meals, it’s easy to see how a sprinkle of bacon bits could enhance your bean and burger stew, too. The only thing missing is the hamburger bun; everything else from those classic recipes is already there.

If you happen to have a bottle of bacon bits or imitation bacon bits in your bag, you’re in luck. If not, consider asking the friendly staff member taking your order if they can add a side or two of Wendy's applewood smoked bacon to your to-go bag. This ingredient is also featured in the fast food chain's Cobb salad. Your friend at the counter can simply toss a bag of bacon bits into your to-go order, giving you easy access to that delicious smoky flavor when you’re ready to enjoy your meal.

13. Warm it up for cold weather with squash

Just like the charming pumpkins scattered across the landscape, the aroma of a bubbling pot of chili simmering on the stove is one of the most dependable signs of autumn. Its hearty texture and rich spices chase away the fall chill like few comfort foods can. While it's hard to surpass a classic chili recipe during this season, there's one ingredient that can elevate it to an even more autumnal dish: squash.

Naturally, pumpkins come to mind, but they aren't the only varieties of fall and winter squash available. Butternut, spaghetti, and kabocha are some of the most popular options, along with unique varieties like the blue hokkaido pumpkin. (Yes, it’s a pumpkin, and yes, it’s blue.) For those who enjoy incorporating squash into their chili as a hearty addition, it can be found fresh, frozen, or canned.

While you might not want to cook an entire squash just to add a few pieces to your chili, microwaving frozen squash until hot is a quick and delicious way to include these autumnal fruits in your meal. If you've just picked up some pumpkins for carving, consider setting one aside for freezing to use in your fall recipes, and don’t forget to save the seeds. When baked and seasoned, pumpkin seeds provide a delightful crunch to your chili, complementing the flavor of your fresh pumpkin.